SF Giants power bat expected to miss time after suffering oblique strain

The SF Giants placed Jerar Encarnación on the injured list with an oblique strain earlier this week. Bob Melvin told Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area that Encarnación will be "down for a while."

SF Giants power bat expected to miss time after suffering oblique strain

The veteran bat sustained the injury while taking batting practice on an off day. This has been a frustrating season for Encarnación. He was expected to get an extended look, but sustained a fracture in his left hand late in spring training, which put him on the shelf for over two months.

While the Giants struggled to get any production at first base, it started to look like Encarnación would get a lot of at-bats at that position. As he was nearing a return, the Giants shook up the roster by adding Dominic Smith and placing LaMonte Wade Jr. on waivers. The move left Encarnación without a clear role, but he did see some time in the outfield and first base.

Of course, his role got cloudier after the Giants added Rafael Devers. The Giants expect Devers to see time at first base once he gets comfortable with the position. In the meantime, he will work with Matt Williams and Mark Hallberg to learn the nuances of the position. Smith, along with Wilmer Flores, will see time at first base until the coaching staff deems Devers ready to take over.

Encarnación struggled in his return from a hand injury, recording just three hits with six strikeouts in 22 sporadic at-bats. Despite this, the Giants planned to remain patient with him, given how well he performed in spring training.

Bob Melvin labeled Encarnación's injury as a "pretty good strain," meaning that the severity of it likely suggests that he will miss more than the minimum of 10 days on the injured list. When he does return, it is fair to wonder what his role will be with the number of alternatives at first base.

To take his place on the roster, Daniel Johnson was recalled. He had been optioned to make room for Devers. However, he was recalled that same day to take Encarnación's spot on the roster.